Volunteering at Assisi Hospice

As a doctor’s daughter, I have always kept healthcare causes near and dear to my heart, a major one being mental health advocacy. Today, I dedicate hospice care as another major cause which I support.

As a child, I grew up with the familiarity of hospitals and the long hours of sacrifice from a parent being on call in the ER. The quest to selflessly help others in the medical field had a lasting impact on me, long after I graduated from law school and immersed myself in the startup world for a decade. In 2019, when I was looking for a way out of my panic attacks and depression after all other modalities of self-care had failed me, I decided to commit to volunteerism. It is true what the saints say: we practice love and compassion by giving back to others without expectations.

When a social worker told me about Assisi Hospice, I decided to enroll in the volunteer-carer program. Assisi Hospice only admits patients with a diagnosed life expectancy of one year or less into their care, for both adults and children. In our first day of orientation, the nurses and social workers prepped us on how to care for the dying. There was not a single dry eye in the room. Yet, when I stepped onto the hospice grounds, my heart felt at peace. I knew then that this was my cause.

It is a delightful coincidence that my father is also a big supporter of hospice care causes. To share his 30-odd years of knowledge and experience in the field, Papa has written his third book titled Understanding Blood Disorders. Intended for patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals, proceeds from the sales of the 270-page book will go to the newly set-up Faith Hope Love Hospice Care Malaysia in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, run by a Christian NGO. My father’s fundraising efforts is featured in The Star article here: http://bit.ly/2sJeyg0.

To support the book sale, contact fhl.donation@gmail.com. For more information, see https://www.fhlhospice.org/fundraising-activities.

Life is short. Health is such a blessing. Sending all of you love. May everyone be blessed with health and happiness this new year, filled with love and gratitude.

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